The Epsom Derby meeting concludes with an intriguing edition of the British Classic at 16.00. Saturday's racing tips include a Derby selection and several big-price runners elsewhere.
Last year's Group 1 City Of York Stakes winner Never So Brave heads the ante-post market after a notable hat-trick that included the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group 2 Summer Mile. He should improve from his reappearance at Sandown Park and is much respected. Alcantor, an Irish raider for Joseph O'Brien, has attracted pre-race support, while Ten Bob Tony would be a threat if at his best. However, WITNESS STAND could be worth chancing at big odds, returning from wind surgery and sporting first-time cheekpieces and a tongue-tie. Trained by Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, the five-year-old won the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last summer and acts on soft ground.
In the other races, She's Perfect heads the market but faces questions about her ability on forecast soft ground. SPARKS FLY, whose five best efforts have been on soft or heavy, is recommended at 9/2. David Loughnane's mare is a Group 3 and Listed winner over her optimum trip. CALANDAGAN, second in this race last year, has since won five consecutive Group 1s including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He acts on any ground and has 5lb or more in hand on the field, making him a strong contender despite last year's defeat.
The traditional cavalry charge has drawn a big field, with STORMY IMPACT offering each-way value at 16/1. She has won over course and distance and handles slow ground, though she starts from stall 16. The favourite Kinswoman is in the next gate, which could help her pace. For the Derby itself, Bienvenuto Cellini, winner of the Chester Vase for Aidan O'Brien, is respected as the trainer seeks a fourth consecutive Derby win. However, the unbeaten ITEM, who won the Dante at York last time, boasts the best form and could be the one to beat.
